Limerick landed their first Allianz National hurling League title since 1997 with a fully deserved victory over a battling Waterford at Croke Park this afternoon.
The Shannonsiders have become accustomed to winning at GAA HQ and today was no different as they scored a clear cut win over the Déise who will rue two missed goal chances in the second period.
Allianz Hurling League Final
Full Time
Waterford (Port Láirge): 0-19(19)
Limerick (Luimneach): 1-24(27)
Hard Luck to our Hurlers on a disappointing finish to what has been a fantastic league campaign!
Onwards and upwards as we look forward to Championship in May!#deiseabú— Waterford GAA (@WaterfordGAA) March 31, 2019
The All-Ireland champions were quickest out of the blocks with man of the match Aaron Gillane on fire (even though he still missed a lot), the corner forward had 1-5 by the interval as Limerick lead by five (1-12 to 0-10).
Stephen Bennett shot seven points for Paraic Fanning's men during the opening 35 minutes.
Gillane (who would end with 1-9) extended the team in green and white’s advantage with the first point of the second half via a free and Limerick’s advantage was out to eight points (1-16 to 0-11) by the 44th minute after Declan Hannon landed a long range effort.
There was an air of inevitably about the outcome at that stage.
Full-forward Bennett flashed a goal chance over the Limerick bar in the 54th minute with his team trailing by six points while Nickie Quaid pulled off a point blank save in the 67th minute as Paraic Fanning’s Waterford side refused to throw in the towel.
Gillane made way for Barry Murphy in the 64th minute while Shane Dowling came in for Tom Morrissey.
Dowling (2) and fellow substitute Seamus Flanagan kept the scoreboard ticking over as Limerick finished with eight points to spare and a first league title win since 1997, as it ended; LIMERICK 1 - 24 WATERFORD 0 - 19
Limerick are the Allianz National Hurling League Champions!
Watch the GAANOW Full-Time Highlights here pic.twitter.com/y0ufkV6uXw— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 31, 2019
